You may remember the outrageous and enigmatic Italian porn star La Cicciolina who was famous for not only her exposed one breast salute
but for also marrying American artist Jeff Koons back in the 1990's.
Well I recently had the pleasure of lunching at her namesake restaurant....her real name....
Ilona Staller.....
some lovely Melburnians who for many years have had La Cicciolina part of St Kilda's dining experience, have now added another offering..... this lovely digs in Balaclava named what else but
Located in a building which was not only an old bank, (the bank vault is now the wine cellar), but also a Red Rooster!
the interior is cosy and welcoming. I adore the beautiful caramel leather banquettes, the wonderful Rooster tapestry (a nod to the former tenant), the opulence of the old bank doors with wonderful bespoke handles at the entry, and the interesting yet restrained inclusion of a mirrored, perspex art work by Melbourne artist Constance Zikos.
the day we were there it was wonderful to spot comedienne Judith Lucy enter the building.
We had a lovely lunch adults and children, and were entertained by the mischievous waiter
( you know who you are!) and his friendly colleagues.
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| art by Constance Zikos |
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| rabbit parpadelle ragout for Easter lunch |
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| risotto with chanterelle mushrooms, spinach, & Persian fetta |
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| kid's menu aims to please |
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| sirloin on the grill with kipflers & spinach |
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| pink roasted veal wrapped in pancetta & fontina risotto cake |
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| a salute to Red Rooster |
J Watson-Evans
(Cicciolina/Jef Koons images via Artvalue.com & Miniwiki)
posted by
The Decorator
I live so close to there and have driven past the place so many times yet never paid it a visit. Definitely have to now. Anastasia x
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